QA-”I’m a nervous wreck!”
Hi Annie!
My name is Samantha. I am a remarried mother of three. (ages 2,11,13)I have been playing hold ‘em for about 10 months now. I live 30 minutes from Chicago, in a small town. I play in a tournament every week with about 50 guys. I have done pretty good making it to the final table 70% of the time (taken first at least once a month) The reason for my email? I have MAJOR panic attacks before I get to the table. From the time I get home from work until I sit at the table. I am throwing up and everything! As soon as the cards are in the air, I’m solid. After reading your book, I know that you have similar problems. (mine also happening more than on poker night-anytime I am put on the spot). There are alot of casinos around here and everyone tells me I should play there, but, I don’t know if I can handle my nerves. I know I have potential. I study the game, I watch it, read, and play online everyday. I am starting to branch out into other games, Omaha hi-low and stud. I just feel like I am stuck until I can get this under control. Do you have any advice for me?
Thank you for taking the time to read this!!!
P.S.—-You’re my hero!!:)The greatest!!
Hi Samantha!
I truly feel for you especially since I have had similar issues so I know exactly what that feels like. On my way to my first WSOP final table I threw up in a trashcan and just thought I was going to die! Like you, once I start playing all those feelings go away as I am completely enrapt in the game.
The thing is that when you get in the game you are distracted from your own feelings because of the intensity of thought that goes into poker. That is why the panic subsides when you are playing. The fact is that dealing with panic is all about 1) strategies to get yourself out of the attack and 2) molding your thinking to reverse ways you think that can exacerbate the panic.
When I was really recovering from the panic disorder I had a great book
recommended to me called FEELING GOOD by David Burns. I can’t recommend it more highly and would suggest you try it out. Check it out here.
Hope that helps and keep up the good work in poker. We need more great female players!
Xo
Annie
omg, annie i really love u, im amazed at u, i enjoy watching strong women and u r truly one of a kind, i consider myself a true feminist and am always looking for women that r truly an inspiration to me and to women as whole, u are a rarity, u have it all, u r truly a role model for females, i admire ur strength and confidence in who u r and dont care if others have a problem with it, u r smart and beautiful and know how to make a difference and u get things done and despite what that donald guy says “I KNOW UR A WONDERFUL PERSON” dont let anyone tell u different. awesome, i love watching u, im glad to know women like u exist ur one of a kind, again thank u, JOSIE C
Hello Annie,
Never written/responded to any online blog sites, and I don’t know if you will ever read this..however, I needed to say it.
My husband and I watched this seasons apprentice and saw you the first show. He looked at me and said “she;s going to win” I continued to watch, and thought that you Have to be a Virgo!(Sept 5th here)
I looked you up and low and behold…Naturally!!!
In watching your successes and attacks, it refreshed many episoded I have had as well as attacks that have been thrown my way as a result of competence and ambition. God forbid any woman can succeed. Your strength, determination, ambition, intellect and strategy..made us smile and applaud with each episode.
I believe Trump sold you out to a washed up phony judgemental has been, becasue he was without certain gentalia. YOU made HIM Look really BAD!
You were definitely smarter and sharper than his Blonde daughter..and chinless son.
My husband awaits Trumps demise, but you know what…he has absolutely no class or insight into what makes a success.
Thanks for showing me that it really is ok to be a woman and still be feminine and deterined at the same time.!
Well done YOU.
Doreen (Virgo sister)
Ms. Duke,
I started playing texas hold’em online, while recovering from pneumonia. I also suffer from panic disorder. I quit after I got better(about 2 yrs ago) and now I have started playing again almost daily for about the last 2 months. How does the switching from online poker to real a life game affect your nerves? just playing online I would have to sit out the next hand or two if I won (what I considered at the time)a large pot. That was at the play money tables! I finally overcame that. I need to get over myself as I really want to try playing at a casino tournament. I’ll check out that book you recommended to Samantha.
I love watching you play. You were great on Celeb Apprnetice . You should have won! Obviously Trump got more $$ for choosing The Rivers woman. You so rock! I would love to play a few hands at your table one day.
Mark the Twistedshadow
I am continously motivated by your accomplishments and many worthwhile articles that you have published. I am in a bit of a standstill. I play cards for a living as well although I am a rent grinder much like Kinnish in Rounders. Everytime I try and go to take my game to the next level, the bills are due and I have to start from ground zero. I have good bankroll management skills and above average poker skills but seem to never have enough for the big game. I am going to play in the WCOOP on stars for 109 buy in for 1M in the middle. I would love to play all the events but cant afford to. I am a solid player with much love for the game and you have always helped me improve. I want to go pro but do not want to go bust in the process. I saw a show where you and Phil trained your own team of poker players and would love to be a part of that. I guess I am just wondering how to take my game to the next level without going bust.
Samantha, I too suffer from Panic Attacks. It’s bad, sometimes it does affect my play as I am sitting there trying not to freak-out and it’s hard to play when your mind is on your mind. Thanks for this question, nice to know I am not alone in this. My worst moments are highway driving, especially at night. Makes it hard to come back from late night poker tournaments. I’m getting the book, hopefully it helps. Doreen, Annie won, regardless of what Trump decides. I watch the show, but I am disgusted when he steers the show towards the better known celebrities. I know friends of Trump and he is exactly what you see on the show.
I have two Questions:
1)What role, or impact, if any, had Howard in your poker career.
2)”Best Female Poker Player of the World” ?
Can you elaborate on this quoted statement ?
Thank You
S²
You almost punched Melissa in the face? HAHA LOL Imagine if you would have done that she would easily shove her foot so far up your cunt, it would be sticking out of your mouth. No to mention Joan, don’t underestimate her. She kicked your ass and she’ll do it again.